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Bachelor of Accounting

Start your pathway to becoming a fully accredited accountant.

  • Join an industry with an expected job growth of 9.2% by 2026
  • Understand core business concepts
  • Develop expert skills in the latest financial software
  • Excel in data and analytical expertise
  • Work on real-world case studies
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100% Online

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Icon Qualification

Undergraduate

Qualification

Icon Duration

3 years full-time

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Icon Start Dates

Mar, Jul, Nov

Start Dates

Icon Units

24

Units

Icon Fees

$2,174*

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OVERVIEW

What is the Bachelor of Accounting?

Swinburne Online’s Bachelor of Accounting is an undergraduate degree that builds the technical and analytical skills needed for careers in accounting and finance.

The course is designed so you’ll also gain industry experience by working on projects with clients that include: Build Pass, Inception Point, Insurance Brokers, and more.

  • Learn with industry-leading software like Tableau and Xero.
  • Hear from industry experts and build valuable professional networks.
  • Get eligibility for accreditations such as CAANZ, CPA, IPA, ACCA and CIMA. Our degree is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) International, given to only 5% of business schools worldwide.

Whether you enjoy solving problems, working with numbers, or contributing to real-world decisions, the Bachelor of Accounting offers a path with strong career prospects, stable demand, and the flexibility to shape your career over time.

How you’ll study
  • The Bachelor of Accounting runs across three Teaching Periods per year.
  • Expected study load is between 8–10 hours per unit, per week.
  • Set your own study pace by taking one or more units per Teaching Period.
  • You’ll have 24/7 access to your online classroom, discussion boards, and learning content.
  • Learning is delivered through interactive materials, including videos, quizzes, podcasts, diagrams, and written content.
Who is this course for?
  • Those who love numbers and problem-solving
  • People who want to build a career in accounting, finance or business
  • Professionals who want an accredited course with a pathway to being an accountant

What you’ll learn

  • Financial Accounting: Generate logical solutions to finance problems that are fit for purpose. Gain awareness of the impact financial decisions have on businesses.
  • Management Accounting: Develop the technical skills to analyse information and support decisions that enhance value for customers and shareholders.
  • Company Accounting: Learn the technical skills to help prepare accounting information and financial statements.
  • Taxation: Understand the Australian taxation system and the basic principles of Australian income tax, fringe benefit tax and goods and services taxation legislation.
  • Auditing: Understand the nature and purpose of auditing within the regulatory auditing environment.
  • Financial Statistics: Use data to analyse and interpret information to guide business decisions in a variety of contexts.

Recognition and accreditation

Corey-BW

‘The online flexibility has been a game changer for me. I have no idea where I would be without the ability to study when and how I need to. I have taken my work interstate, overseas, anywhere you can think of.’

Corey, Swinburne Online graduate

9.2% ▴

There’s an expected increase of 9.2% for accounting jobs over the next 5 years. (SEEK 2026)

THE_World-University-Rankings

Our Business courses have been ranked in the Top 175 by THE World University Rankings 2026.

‘The online flexibility has been a game changer for me. I have no idea where I would be without the ability to study when and how I need to. I have taken my work interstate, overseas, anywhere you can think of.’

Corey, Swinburne Online graduate

9.2% ▴

There’s an expected increase of 9.2% for accounting jobs over the next 5 years. (SEEK 2026)

Our Business courses have been ranked in the Top 175 by THE World University Rankings 2026.

THE_World-University-Rankings

Swinburne Online

Your pathway to the career of your dreams

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Structure

Your course breakdown:

To be awarded the Bachelor of Accounting you must complete 24 units in total made up of:

  • 6 Core Business Units
  • 8 Accounting Major Units
  • 8 Elective Units
  • 2 Capstone Units

Each year is split into 3 Teaching Periods. You can choose to study full-time or part-time depending on your preference.

What you'll study:

These are foundational units in major business study areas:

Learning and Communicating for Innovative Business Practice

Financial Information for Decision-Making

Economics for Business Decision-Making

Contemporary Management Principles

Business Digitalisation

Law of Commerce

Capstone units are designed to:

  • Combine the skills you’ve gained throughout your degree.
  • Allow you to apply your knowledge to real business problems.
  • Provide an opportunity to collaborate with peers and gain hands-on experience.
  • Help you build the confidence you need to transition into the workforce with practical skills.

Advanced Innovative Business Practice

Business Consulting Project

Accounting major units are designed to dive into practical, future-focused study:

Financial Information Systems

Management Accounting and Business Intelligence

Company Accounting

Taxation

Accounting Theory

Auditing

Financial Statistics

Financial Management

Tailor your course to suit your strengths, interests, and career goals by choosing elective units—free-choice units that can be from any discipline. Here’s what our Swinburne Online academic staff recommend for this course:

Forensic Accounting

Planning for Career Success

Big Data Management

Entry Requirements

Entry Criteria

Applicants are required to meet one of the following minimum entry requirements:

  • A completed or partially completed tertiary qualification (e.g. relevant Certificate IVs, Diploma, Advanced Diploma, Associate Degree, incomplete or complete Bachelor’s degree); or
  • 4+ years of relevant work experience; or
  • Recent Year 12 Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or equivalent completion, with the required English study score.

Want to discuss your eligibility for the Bachelor of Accounting? Get in touch with our Course Consultant team at 1300 069 765 to discuss more today!

Credit for Prior Learning

If you have completed recent prior studies, you may be eligible to request course credit or subject exemptions to reduce the duration and cost of your program.

Credit for prior learning evaluates your previous studies related to your chosen subjects.

This is assessed on a case-by-case basis, where every applicant is assessed individually.

To learn more and explore your potential credit for prior learning, get in touch with our Course Consultant team on 1300 069 765 to discuss your options.

Need More Info?

We have plenty of resources to help you! Visit our Applying and Enrolling FAQs or chat with a Course Consultant for advice on your specific situation.

Fees & Scholarships

  • The estimated fee per unit is $2,174*.
  • There are 24 units in the course; each unit is worth 12.5 credit points.

*Note: Unit fees may change each year.

There are several ways to help manage your course fees:

  • Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP): Available to Australian Citizens and eligible Permanent Residents, and this will help reduce your course fees.
  • HECS – HELP Loans: Available to Australian citizens, which will help you defer your fees.
  • Learn more about HELP Loans.

Please contact our Course Consultant to find out if you’re eligible for financial support.

There are a variety of Swinburne Scholarships to help reduce your costs.

  • University-funded scholarships
  • Government-funded scholarships
  • Private scholarships and prizes

Scholarships are available for both new and current students.

Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Student Scholarships

There are a range of scholarships available to support Indigenous students in minimising the costs of study materials, accommodation, relocation, and more.

How it works:
1. Check eligibility
2. Gather the relevant documentation
3. Produce a personal statement
4. Obtain your references
5. Apply online here

Please contact our Course Consultant to find out if you’re eligible for Swinburne scholarships.

Credit for prior study:

  • Good news—if you’re awarded academic credit for prior study, your course fees could be lower! This means a cheaper degree!

Services & amenities fee:

For more details on scholarships and financial support, speak with our Course Consultant team today!

Career Outcomes

Career Opportunities with a Bachelor of Accounting

Swinburne Online's Bachelor of Accounting prepares you to graduate with industry-relevant skills. With additional study, you will be able to take your career further. Here’s what you could do – and what you might earn (average annual salaries via SEEK Australia):

$80,000 to $95,000 Average Salary

Help clients – ranging from individuals to businesses – manage their finances. Provide expert advice on financial reporting, forecasting, and analysis. Accountants ensure financial integrity, compliance with regulations, and contribute to informed decision-making.

Help clients – ranging from individuals to businesses – manage their finances. Provide expert advice on financial reporting, forecasting, and analysis. Accountants ensure financial integrity, compliance with regulations, and contribute to informed decision-making.

$75,000 to $95,000 Average Salary

Verify the accuracy and reliability of financial records, ensuring compliance with regulations, and assessing the effectiveness of internal controls within organizations. They play a crucial role in maintaining financial integrity and transparency for both public and private entities.

Verify the accuracy and reliability of financial records, ensuring compliance with regulations, and assessing the effectiveness of internal controls within organizations. They play a crucial role in maintaining financial integrity and transparency for both public and private entities.

$100,000 to $115,000 Average Salary

Manage an organisation's financial records, prepare their financial statements, and analyse financial data to support business decisions. A financial accountant ensures the accuracy and compliance of financial information, contributing to the overall financial health of the company.

Manage an organisation's financial records, prepare their financial statements, and analyse financial data to support business decisions. A financial accountant ensures the accuracy and compliance of financial information, contributing to the overall financial health of the company.

$155,000 to $175,000 Average Salary

Oversee all financial operations and accounting processes within an organisation. This role often involves leading and mentoring finance teams, managing relationships with auditors, and contributing to the overall financial health and performance of the business.

Oversee all financial operations and accounting processes within an organisation. This role often involves leading and mentoring finance teams, managing relationships with auditors, and contributing to the overall financial health and performance of the business.

$100,000 to $120,000 Average Salary

Analyse financial information to aid managerial planning and decision-making, focusing on improving a company's financial performance. They play a crucial role in budgeting, forecasting, and strategic planning, moving beyond basic accounting to influence business direction.

Analyse financial information to aid managerial planning and decision-making, focusing on improving a company's financial performance. They play a crucial role in budgeting, forecasting, and strategic planning, moving beyond basic accounting to influence business direction.

$85,000 to $100,000 Average Salary

Help individuals and businesses with tax planning and preparing tax returns. Provide essential support during the end-of-financial year with your expertise in tax law.

Help individuals and businesses with tax planning and preparing tax returns. Provide essential support during the end-of-financial year with your expertise in tax law.

Young male professional with glasses standing infront of office building

How can I become an accountant?

Step 1: Complete an accredited degree.

Our Bachelor of Business with a major in Accounting is fully accredited with CA ANZ, CPA, ACCA, CIMA, and IPA, so it’s the perfect first step to your dream career.

Step 2: Get real-life experience.

Before you can become accredited, you need 3+ years of supervised work experience in a relevant role like auditing, tax, or financial analysis.

Step 3: Enrol in a professional program.

You can join any program your degree is accredited in, like CPA or CA, where you’ll complete additional training, study, and exams depending on your chosen program.

Step 4: Apply for certification/chartership.

After meeting all requirements, submit your application to the chosen professional body (CPA, CA ANZ, or IPA).

Step 5: You’re officially a qualified accountant!

Stay certified by completing the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) each year and renewing your membership annually. Enjoy your new career!

Online Study

What’s it like to study with Swinburne Online?

Each degree is thoughtfully designed for online learning, ensuring your experience is fulfilling and supported. At Swinburne Online, we want to ensure that your journey with us is a success. Our team of academic and online experts have developed engaging, media-rich course materials using cutting-edge digital technology and advanced teaching resources.

Your online study journey

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Here’s what you can expect

  • Personalise your study journey with full-time or part-time options—100% online, no travel needed.
  • Start when it suits you with multiple intake dates.
  • Study on your terms, balancing life, family, and work—anytime, anywhere.
  • Stay connected with students and industry experts through discussion boards and virtual classrooms.
  • Get support 7 days a week for general help whenever you need it.
  • Learn with confidence with dedicated online tutors for each unit, ready to answer all your academic questions.

young professional accounting woman studying with music

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Your online classroom: Canvas

What you’ll use Canvas for:

  • Explore all your units and modules
  • Watch learning sessions in your own time
  • Participate in group discussions and communicate with tutors and classmates
  • Receive assessments and feedback
  • Track your study progress
  • Log in on your desktop or mobile
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Your online campus: The Student Hub

Think of the Student Hub as your online campus, where you will be able to:

  • Manage your enrolment and university administration services
  • Keep up with your fees, key course dates, and study information
  • Access library and technical support
  • Access student support such as: Study Buddies, HelpHub, study planners, and more
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Dedicated student support at Swinburne Online

You are supported at every stage of your journey with Swinburne Online.

You’ll have access to:

  • Student Advisors—to help plan your course, enrol you in units and assist with other general enquiries you may have
  • Online Learning Advisors—to support you with unit content, assessments and referencing
  • Student Coaches—who can advise you on best practice study habits, motivation, and time management
  • Study Buddies—connects you with peers to collaborate on coursework, share knowledge and stay motivated
  • 7-day support—to assist you at any time

Indigenous Student Services

If you’re an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander student, you can access dedicated support through Swinburne’s Moondani Toombadool Centre. Moondani Toombadool means ‘embracing teaching and learning’ in the Woiwurrung language of the Wurundjeri People! 

Support available includes: 

  • Dedicated student support services 
  • Indigenous Academic Support Program (IASP) 
  • Cultural and engagement programs 
  • Networking opportunities, career support and much more 

Learn more about the Moondani Toombadool Centre.

Learn more about units, fees, entry criteria, career outcomes and more.

Download a course guide

The Swinburne Online-SEEK connection

The suite of Swinburne Online Business degrees provides students with the opportunity to forge connections within the industry. Students hear from industry leaders and work with real-life clients with demonstrated experience within their respective fields, such as SEEK.